UC Berkeley’s Hall of Famer Ahmad Anderson brings ‘Bear Territory’ to College GameDay

For Ahmad Anderson, a Richmond native and University of California, Berkeley alumnus, appearing on ESPN's College GameDay was more than just a moment in the national spotlight. It was an opportunity to represent his hometown and alma mater on one of college football's biggest stages.

Anderson, a California Athletics Hall of Famer, led a 10,000-strong crowd in the Bear Territory chant. He authored the chant as a defensive back during the 1982 season and was featured in a segment that aired during the popular pre-game show on Saturday. 

IT'S 6 AM IN BERKELEY AND CAL IS READY FOR ITS FIRST GAMEDAY EVER 😤 pic.twitter.com/cuerU9DFe8

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 5, 2024

ESPN College GameDay has become a cultural touchstone for college football fans nationwide. It is an event in itself, with fans gathering hours in advance to showcase their school pride. The show's presence is seen as a badge of honor for hosting schools, boosting their visibility on a national stage.

"I wanted to be able to tell the story about UC Berkeley, about the territory, representing us as Bears," Anderson said. "This was a chance for the students to tell the world, 'You know it. You tell the story. You tell the whole damn world this is Bear territory."

Anderson said Bear Territory reflects every student at Cal who grinds every day to be the best they can be and the staff who provides resources for the students to be successful.

"It also is reflective of the faculty that provides us with the knowledge and skills and other characteristics to not only be the greatest students but to be the greatest university in the world, that is Bear Territory," he said.

Anderson's appearance on College GameDay was met with a wave of support from friends, family, and fellow Richmond residents. His fraternity brothers, former classmates, and even his niece watching from Madrid, Spain, reached out to express their pride. Anderson was inundated with messages after the broadcast.  

"I'm a reflection of the city and a reflection of students of color that you can be all you can be. I had support, and now I'm giving back to my community in the same way."

Anderson spoke about his roots in Richmond and his family's ties to UC Berkeley, recalling the journey that brought him to that moment. Anderson initially had no plans to attend Berkeley, instead applying to other University of California campuses. However, his mother, Former Richmond Mayor Irma Anderson, a public health nurse who earned her master's degree from UC Berkeley, altered his college application without his knowledge, ensuring he would follow the family tradition.  

"My mom, before submitting that application, whited out UC San Diego and put in UC Berkeley," Anderson said.

Anderson joined the team in the fall of 1978 and became a starter in the spring of 1979. The Bears' first two years in the eighties weren't great, winning only three games in 1980 and two the following year. 

"I heard a lot of fight songs, a lot of cheering, none of which was about the Golden Bears winning," Anderson said.

During the spring of 1982, Anderson's brother suggested that he enroll in a Jazz from Africa to New Orleans class taught by a visiting professor from Dartmouth College, where his brother was a student.

"In that class, listening to that music, and listening to how music was made and how lyrics were put together, I started thinking about what kind of cheers are things that we could do at Cal as a football team to invigorate and motivate," Anderson said. "In that class, I came up with the song, and now it is heard around the world."

But beyond national recognition, Anderson emphasizes that his commitment to Richmond remains his top priority. As a candidate for Richmond's City Council in District 5, Anderson says he's focused on improving the quality of life in his hometown, where he grew up and where he continues to campaign daily.

"It's not about me. It's the city that I grew up in all my life. Richmond is a beautiful place to live, and that's truly a blessing to be able to tell the story of Richmond, California," Anderson said.

Click to become a Grandview Supporter here, or make a one-time donation here. Grandview is an independent, journalist-run publication exclusively covering Richmond, CA. Every cent we make funds reporting from Richmond's neighborhoods. Copyright © 2024 Grandview Independent, all rights reserved.